HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA.  The largest gathering of fastpitch softball coaches, exhibitors, and players in the sport will be in San Antonio, TX from November 29th through December 3rd for the 2000 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Convention.

Held in conjunction with the 2000 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention, the Women's Professional Softball League (WPSL) will hold a national tryout on Sunday, Dec. 3 at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.  Registration will be at 9 a.m. CDT with the tryouts running from 10 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary's University Softball Field. "Our coaches will be looking for players who possess the combination of speed, power and athleticism needed to compete at the professional level," said WPSL Director of Game Operations Hildred Deese. "This is an excellent opportunity for amateur players to showcase their fastpitch softball abilities."

The NFCA convention will also host the 2001 WPSL Senior Draft on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. CST.

The NFCA convention will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel beginning with a "Pitching Pre-Convention Seminar" on November 28th and then proceeding with the start of the convention beginning November 29th through December 3rd.

The convention will consist of more than two days of clinic sessions covering all the game's aspects along with valuable drills and tips from some of the top speakers in softball considered today. Veteran coaches, sports psychologists and 2000 Olympians also will tell their secrets.

More than 60 different companies are expected for the Exhibitor Show, November 30 and December 1.  Speedline will also host a silent and live auction Thursday night which includes some of the latest innovations in softball equipment.

The convention will also include forums to discuss changes and the future of softball. The individual caucus sessions for the different coaching categories will give coaches an opportunity to bring up new ideas or discuss issues affecting the sport. They will also be given the same opportunities at the numerous receptions and sponsored luncheon events.

Some of the top experts on softball will be speaking at the convention including:  Patty Gasso, Head Coach, University of Oklahoma (2000 NCAA National Champions); Margo Jonker, Head Coach, Central Michigan University, and Olympic Assistant Coach; Cindy Bristow, Head Coach, WPSL's Florida Wahoos; and 2000 Olympians Michelle Venturella and Danielle Henderson.

[For more information on the convention,visit nfca.org. & prosoftball.com  Source:  NFCA & WPSL]